Democrats criticized a temporary increase in gas prices following recent tensions involving Iran, even as Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the increase would ease once uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz was resolved.
According to the account provided, oil prices had already begun to decline after an earlier spike, but criticism from Democrats continued.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was among those who weighed in on the issue, posting a message on X blaming President Donald Trump for higher prices at the pump and saying California would use measures it had developed over time to respond to price increases.
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“Americans will pay $1.5 BILLION MORE at the gas pump just this week because of Donald Trump’s war with Iran. California will continue using the tools we’ve spent years developing to help fight price spikes and lessen the blow from Trump’s recklessness,” Newsom wrote.
Americans will pay $1.5 BILLION MORE at the gas pump just this week because of Donald Trump’s war with Iran.
California will continue using the tools we’ve spent years developing to help fight price spikes and lessen the blow from Trump’s recklessness.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) March 10, 2026
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Newsom’s comments drew a response from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who argued that California’s own energy policies have played a major role in the state’s fuel costs.
Burgum made the remarks when he was asked about Newsom’s criticism and pointed to refinery closures and supply restrictions in California.
“Well, wow, that is something, coming from California,” Burgum said.
“Because of course, under Gavin Newsom, California used to have 40 refineries. Now they have eight, two more are closing. They’re going to be down to six with Chevron and Valero closing. California is the most energy-dependent state in America.”
Burgum said part of the problem was limiting supply, and he used California as an example of what happens when energy production and refining capacity are reduced.
His response framed the issue as one driven by state policy rather than by the temporary international situation Newsom cited in his post.
The dispute came as Democrats continued to criticize the increase in fuel prices despite Wright’s earlier explanation that prices were expected to come down once the situation involving the Strait of Hormuz stabilized.
The account stated that the price of oil had already moved down after the spike, but that Democratic officials were still speaking out.
Newsom’s post focused specifically on the added cost to Americans at gas stations during the week and tied the increase directly to Trump’s actions involving Iran.
He also said California had spent years developing ways to reduce the impact of price spikes on consumers.
Burgum rejected that framing and instead turned attention back to California’s own energy situation.
In his response, he cited the decline in the number of refineries in the state, saying California once had 40 and now has eight, with two more set to close.
He named Chevron and Valero as the companies associated with those impending closures and said the state was headed down to six refineries.
His remarks also included a broader criticism of California’s energy dependence.
“California is the most energy-dependent state in America,” Burgum said.
The exchange highlighted a larger argument over whether recent price changes should be blamed on the Trump administration’s foreign policy decisions or on long-running state-level energy policies in California.
The account described California as the state with the highest gas prices in the nation and attributed that to state taxes and regulations rather than military actions abroad.
Burgum also described California’s energy policies in broader terms, saying they were “as crazy as Europe,” according to the account.
His comments suggested that Newsom was attempting to redirect blame away from Democratic leadership and away from state decisions that have affected refining capacity and supply.
The account also noted that Burgum was not the only figure to criticize Newsom over gas prices.
It said the United States Gas and Oil Association had challenged the California governor on the issue before and had responded again, with Townhall reporting on the latest message.
Governor – Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative use before major surgery or a colonoscopy. It’s available without a prescription, both as a generic and under various brand names.
We suggest you stop at Walgreens pick some up on the way home.
Because you are full of crap. https://t.co/iVAglUiqKn pic.twitter.com/0TM02snpRe
— US Oil & Gas Association (@US_OGA) March 10, 2026
The disagreement over gas prices came against the backdrop of continued debate over energy supply, refinery capacity, and how international conflict can affect domestic fuel costs.
Newsom’s comments on X placed the focus on Trump and Iran, while Burgum’s response centered on California’s refinery losses and energy policies.
As the exchange played out, the central dispute remained the same: whether the recent increase in gas prices was primarily the result of international events involving Iran or the result of long-standing energy decisions in California.
Newsom said the increase would cost Americans more at the pump and said California had tools to respond.
Burgum answered by pointing to refinery closures, limited supply, and the state’s dependence on outside energy sources.
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